8.3.2023
Daktela Celebrates International Women’s Day
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to highlight the achievements of women in various fields. We have chosen to highlight the achievements of Dr Marian Croak as one woman whose contributions to communication and technology cannot be overstated.
Her inventions and leadership roles have paved the way for advancements in the use of Voice over Internet (VoiP) technology which is the basis of all of today’s hosted voice technology. Her work over thirty years ago revolutionised how we communicate, and she continues to make strides today in the field of responsible AI research at Google paving the way for a more ethical and equitable tech industry.
Dr Croak is a renowned engineer and inventor with over 200 patents. She began her career at AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1982, where she helped develop pioneering technologies, including Voice Over IP (VoIP), which would eventually change how we communicate.
Before VoIP, communication was expensive and limited, relying on proprietary digital signaling protocols separating voice and data communication which was expensive, slow and inflexible. On the other hand, VoIP technology allows for real-time voice and data communication over the internet, making it faster and more accessible than ever before. This technology modernised the contact centre world, improving customer service, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs.
Dr Croak’s contributions to VoIP technology have been recognised by numerous awards and honours, including induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2020.
In 2014 she joined Google, where she now leads the Responsible AI research team. Her work is focused on developing AI systems that are ethical, transparent, and accountable, ensuring that they are designed to benefit everyone.
Dr Croak’s achievements are especially noteworthy considering the challenges women face in STEM fields. As a black woman, she has overcome significant barriers to reach the top of her profession. Her accomplishments are a powerful example of what is possible when individuals are given equal opportunities to succeed.
So today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate Dr Marion Croak’s ground-breaking contributions to our industry. We are also proud to showcase some of the amazing women in our company who are making a difference every day.
At Daktela, we are committed to embracing equity and celebrating the contributions of women in our organisation and across the globe.
As we navigate an ever-changing technological landscape, it’s crucial to recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping our future. Dr Marian Croak’s work has shown that we all benefit when we empower individuals to reach their full potential. Let us continue to work towards a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender or background.
